Hadith #1141

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ كَثُرَ مُناهُ، كَثُرَ عَناؤُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose aspirations increase, his hardship increases.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (munāh) "مُناهُ" in this Hadith refers to one's aspirations, desires, or ambitions. It signifies the goals and objectives that a person sets for themselves. When a person's aspirations increase, it indicates that they are constantly seeking to achieve more, to excel, and to progress in various aspects of their life.

The Hadith highlights the correlation between the increase in one's aspirations and the subsequent increase in their hardships. This relationship can be understood through various verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, (2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden His creation with difficulties that they cannot handle. However, when a person's aspirations increase, they willingly take on more challenges and responsibilities, which in turn leads to an increase in their hardships.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Inshirah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (94:5)

Verily, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse reminds us that every difficulty is accompanied by ease and relief. When a person's aspirations increase, they may face greater challenges and obstacles, but they also have the opportunity to experience greater growth, personal development, and rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their aspirations and the consequences they may bring. It encourages us to set high goals and ambitions, but also reminds us to be prepared for the hardships that may come along the way. It teaches us that the path to success is not always easy, and that perseverance, patience, and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are essential.

For example, if a student aspires to excel academically and aims to achieve high grades, they must be prepared to face the challenges of rigorous studying, sleepless nights, and overcoming setbacks. Similarly, if a person aspires to be successful in their career, they must be ready to face the hardships of competition, long working hours, and making sacrifices.

However, it is important to note that the increase in hardships mentioned in the Hadith does not imply that one should avoid setting high aspirations. Rather, it serves as a reminder to be aware of the challenges that may arise and to be prepared to face them with determination and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when our aspirations increase, our hardships also increase. It reminds us to be mindful of the challenges that may come along the way and to be prepared to face them with patience and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to set high goals and ambitions, knowing that with every difficulty, there is relief. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and perseverance to overcome hardships and achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.